Last week, readers of TheBruinsBlog.net expressed how much they appreciate what Thornton means to the Bruins by voting the winger as the player they’d like to see replace Mark Recchi as Boston’s second alternate captain.

Thornton edged out veteran defenseman Andrew Ference, who’s another player deserving of wearing the ‘A’ next season.

Now, I believe the Bruins will probably go back to a rotating monthly ‘A’ like they had prior to making Recchi the permanent second ‘A’ in addition to Patrice Bergeron. But should they opt for a permanent replacement, I believe it might be time to look at someone younger.

With no disrespect to Thornton or Ference, it’s time to start grooming Milan Lucic for a future captaincy. Now if he stays with the Bruins for the long haul and captain Zdeno Chara plays out his seven-year deal and Bergeron remains here as well, Lucic might never get a shot at the ‘C.’ But it’s well worth adding responsibility to the power forward’s plate as he tries to build off his breakout 30-goal campaign of last season.

Lucic, a former captain during his junior hockey days with Vancouver of the WHL and a natural leader from the time he arrived at Bruins’ development camp several summers ago, might need a little extra incentive next season after such a great year. A letter on the 23-year-old’s sweater would definitely put him square in the spotlight, where he’d be unable to hide from slumps or even analyses of his teammates’ performances.

The Bruins have a young core that they figure to be building around for years to come. Lucic is one of the higher-profile guys in that group, in addition to being one of the better speakers. He can be at times serious and analytical, at other times humorous. He seems to be one of those guys that has a knack for knowing what a team and a dressing room need at a given time.

He’s signed through the 2012-13. Thornton is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after this season, not to mention he plays the least minutes on the team and is a candidate for an occasional healthy scratch depending on the depth the Bruins are working with. Ference is signed beyond this year, but might become expendable should Boston’s younger defenseman emerge. Plus his personality is such that not everyone appreciates his opinion as much as they appreciate the little things he does on the ice.

Chara often talks about how much easier his job is with so many great leaders around him. Thornton and Ference can continue to be great role models without a letter. If the Bruins are going to sew an ‘A’ on one sweater for the entire season, it should be Lucic’s — to help the franchise both in the present and the future.

Personally I voted for Looch because of the obvious bridging of the future but I would not at all be upset to see Thorton with the “A”. I understand the idea behind putting it on a guy with “real minutes” but I think there is a lot to be said for his leadership in all areas. His lockerroom presence cannot be overlooked and his ability to look at what is good for the team as a whole is just as valuable. He knows his role and he knows when to bring that spark.

Shawn Thornton is clearly a leader on this team, regardless of his ice time or perceived skill level. Shawn’s name is on the cup twice now.
The reason Thornton’s name was at the top of this survey is his leadership is obvious to all who watch and follow this team. Even a novice hockey fan can pick up on this by watching a few games on TV.
Good arguements for Lucic and the rotating A, however lets see how the team votes when they return for camp.
I dont believe Thornton cares if he has the A on his sweater this season. He has a special place on this team and in the fans hearts. He will continue his leadership role on this team with or without the “A”.

I am also in agreement on rotation for some of the same reasons expressed here by others. I would also like to point out that a “C” or an “A” should go to a skilled player with leadership capability. As much as Thornton is “adored” he is not very capable in the skill dept. , and , if the Bruins focus on winning the Cup, they will need all skilled players.

I for one am really hoping for the rotating “A” this year again. I don’t like Lucic in a leadership position just yet. He is still too much of an instigator and too hard-headed to really warrant an “A” this season. If he mellows out a little and stops making stupid choices (which he does on a semi-consistent basis in the form of boardings, or being goaded by an instigator or a dangerous cheap shot) then he may be ready for a letter, but let him prove that he is worth it over the veterans.

As much as Thornton helped the Bruins, you CAN’T give a guy an ‘A’ and then make him a healthy scratch.
If the bruins have plans on playing him real minutes every game, then it makes sense. If he’s just going to be there for less than 10 minutes a game and benched for the playoffs unless someone is injured, he can’t be your guy.
He’s popular with the fans and does have leadership qualities but the Bruins need to commit to expanding his role to stitch an ‘A’ on his sweater.

I wouldn’t mind seeing Lucic with the “A”. Obviously I love Thornton as much as any B’s fan, how can you not? While he does bring the obvious “been there” attitude, Lucic has the production and high-profile nature.

It is just a personal thing but I feel as though letter-wearing players should have roles where they lead by example as Chara-Bergy-and Recchi often did.

I actually like the idea of Thornton with an “A”. The way the team woke up after he made it off the healthy scratch list this playoffs shows his impact into the dressing room as well as the ice. His contribution could not be ignored, but not many guys on the 4th line wear the “A”.